Both candidates were largely self-funded, with Collins self-funding $250,000 and Bellavia $45,000. Reports also show that Collins raised another $5,750, and Bellavia raised $50,000 in addition to his own contribution.<ref>[http://www.buffalonews.com/city/politics/article906461.ece ''Buffalo News'' "Bellavia, Collins, largely self-financed," June 16, 2012]</ref>

Both candidates were largely self-funded, with Collins self-funding $250,000 and Bellavia $45,000. Reports also show that Collins raised another $5,750, and Bellavia raised $50,000 in addition to his own contribution.<ref>[http://www.buffalonews.com/city/politics/article906461.ece ''Buffalo News'' "Bellavia, Collins, largely self-financed," June 16, 2012]</ref>

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{{Primary election box 2012

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|Chamber=U.S. House, New York, District 27

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|party= Republican

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|winner1 =Chris Collins

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|Inc1 = N

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|candidate2 =David Bellavia

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|candidate3 =

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|votes1 = 10886

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|votes2 = 7491

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|votes3 =

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}}

==Recent news==

==Recent news==

Revision as of 09:20, 30 May 2013

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David Bellavia

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Bellavia and Chris Collins contended in the June 26 Republican primary to see who would face incumbent Kathy Hochul (D) in the general election. With redistricting reforming Hochul's territory to favor Republicans,[2] the Republican nominee has a serious shot at winning in November.

Bellavia is an Iraq War veteran and Tea Party activist, and Collins is a former county legislator.[2] Bellavia sought to win as a more conservative candidate than Collins. He pointed out that the former Erie County Executive praised incoming federal stimulus funding when he was in office.[4] Collins, however, did receive the Conservative Party endorsement. State Party Chairman Michael Long commented: "He had a proven record.... Collins would be more competitive against the congresswoman."[5]

According to the Buffalo News, Bellavia was the underdog and rarely recognized by Collins.[6] Bellavia, who wrote a book and subsequently sold the movie rights about his experiences in Iraq, said in taking on Collins he took on the "Erie County (political) machine."[6]

Both candidates were largely self-funded, with Collins self-funding $250,000 and Bellavia $45,000. Reports also show that Collins raised another $5,750, and Bellavia raised $50,000 in addition to his own contribution.[7]